The Group 16 season kicks off with the local derby this Sunday between the Bega Roosters and Tathra Sea Eagles.

“We’re looking forward to the new season,” Roosters president Garry Arkin said.

“We’ve got the whole new batch of players, the under 18s coming through the ranks are showing some exciting new prospects and Ryan Apps is certainly not one to be backwards about giving the young guys a shot at the top grade.

“We’ve had a huge player turnover from last season,” Arkin said.

“We’re looking forward to see how some of the new guys fit in.”

After a promising pre-season start that saw a number of players selected for the All Stars match, the first grade is shaping up well, Arkin said.

“Ryan will lead the team as captain-coach,” Arkin said.

Arkin said Apps had been working hard to develop football culture in the club and is passionate about playing a clean game.

“I think that’s the key to him and his whole squad’s success,” Arkin said.

“His passion for the game will rub off on the players around him.

“The boys will give a great account of themselves on Sunday and throughout the season.”

The Roosters have signed on a number of exciting new players, but Arkin said Blake Robinson was the “major signing” for the first grade squad.

“We’ll be interested to see how he goes on the field.”

However, Arkin said the club was waiting to see exact numbers at training before determining the starting line-up.

Meanwhile, the club will be looking to its experienced play-makers to score points.

“We’ll be looking to the experience of Blake and Lee Fuller to work the combinations with Ryan.